JERSEY Wanderers could lose their top flight status for the first time on Saturday – and that’s official and not an April Fool’s joke!

For the first time in more than 30 years – the Combination was formed in 1975 – Wanderers could fall through the trapdoor; the start of an exciting climax to the season starts this afternoon with three clubs still facing the drop and three more contesting the championship.

Any two of Wanderers, St Paul’s and St Brelade will be relegated while Jersey Scottish, Trinity and St Peter vie for the title.

Wanderers play their final league match today and they must win to have any chance of retaining their top flight status.

A defeat or a draw will see them relegated.

Wanderers manager Daryn Noble said: ‘No-one is guaranteed to stay up, it’s still wide open although one place could be decided this afternoon.

‘We know we have to win and I’m confident we can.

The squad has trained hard this week and they’re up for the game.

We’ll have to be very patient and focused and I’m sure everyone will give 100 per cent and give a good account of themselves.

‘St Paul’s are a good side and fit and it will be a good game.

Like ourselves they shouldn’t be in this position – especially with all the hard work both clubs have done with their junior sections in recent years.

‘When leading juniors come out of their age group they are being cherry-picked by other clubs.

That’s so disappointing to the clubs who are trying to build young teams.

‘I think once the new signing-on registration forms come in that may change because the onus will then be on the players to move and that, transfers apart, will only be allowed to happen during a transfer window in the summer.’ Wanderers are at full strength today, with the exception of striker David Kenyon as he is required by Jersey’s Junior Muratti squad tomorrow.

St Paul’s manager Tony Hoyland said: ‘We’re slightly affected losing Craig Russell and Matt Brookland for Junior Muratti duty too, but I’m confident we can win; we have to, as our Division I status rests on this game.

‘We’re currently two points clear of Wanderers and with a better goal-difference – and that might be to our advantage.

Wanderers have to win so they can’t afford to sit back.

‘It’s a crucial game for both clubs.

With the announcement this week of a new manager [Craig Culkin] coming in next season I’d like to thank my assistant Martin Cassidy for all his help this season.

‘There are many great players here, too, and they’ve worked extremely hard all season.

Results have been hard to get but Carl Eubank has excelled by winning an Island place, so that’s a fine return from one of the so-called poorer teams.’ Scottish visit St Brelade today while Trinity host Grouville.

St Peter play at La Hague Manor against St Peter.

Tower and St Peter kick off at 2.30 with the other games beginning at 2 o’clock.